Hackett hits back as Martinez fumes over Antonio-De Bruyne controversy in Chelsea v Man City
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger did not deserve to be sent off for his challenge on Kevin De Bruyne in the Champions League final.
That is the view of ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident that ended De Bruyne’s game and put his participation in Euro 2020 in doubt.
Rudiger clashed heads with the Manchester City attacker in the 55th minute and he had to be replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
De Bruyne confirmed after the game he suffered an acute fracture of the nose and an orbital fracture to his left eye socket.
Speaking after the diagnosis, as relayed by the Guardian, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez insisted Rudiger was “very, very fortunate” not to receive a red card.
Asked whether he agreed with Martinez’s assessment of the incident, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I support the yellow card.
“I don’t agree with Martinez that this was a red card offence. This was a blocking offence, a deliberate block, unfair impeding with contact. It’s a yellow card offence.
“One thing that concerned me, however, was the facial damage to De Brunye. I would like the authorities to take a look at these face masks. Rudiger was wearing a face mask and I asked the question ‘Would that contribute to the facial damage sustained by De Brunye?’
“I still think it was a block but I worry about the face mask.”
Belgium’s opening Group B match takes place in less than a fortnight’s time.
Martinez’s side will face Russia in St Petersburg on Saturday 12 June before games against Denmark and Finland.
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